Asthma decisions — 2020

The Board has denied service connection for spondylolysis and remanded the issues of service connection for spina bifida occulta and asthma.,Service connection is not granted for spondylolysis as there is no evidence it began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. Service connection is also not granted for spina bifida occulta as the Veteran's current back symptoms are expected due to his congenital abnormality and not related to service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of left foot bunionectomy, exercise-induced asthma, and ulcerative colitis as secondary to PTSD are all granted. The conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to June 11, 2011 was denied as he did not meet the schedular requirements for a combined rating of 70% or more due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The claims for asthma, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence are denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for diabetes mellitus, asthma, and Pityrosporum folliculitis with actinic keratosis due to potential service connection based on exposure to burn pits while serving in Iraq.

Service connection for PTSD, asthma, and right ear otitis media has been granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left ear condition (otitis media) is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for asthma, obstructive and restrictive airway disease, bronchiolitis, COPD, and respiratory cancer are being remanded due to the need for further development.,Service connection is being sought for these conditions based on their direct relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma is service-connected, as it was caused by his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new VA treatment records not previously considered. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered with these additional records.

The Veteran's asthma is rated at 30 percent on and after February 8, 2013. The Board has remanded the issue of a higher rating for asthma due to inadequate examination findings and need for clarification regarding medication use.

The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for sinusitis is granted. The petition to reopen the claim is granted to that extent only.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal for all remaining issues.

The Veteran's asthma is rated at 30 percent, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression with anxious distress) other than PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's OSA with Asthma was rated at 30% prior to March 23, 2014 and granted a 50% rating effective from that date.,Since March 23, 2014, the Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for his OSA with Asthma.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's asthma and interstitial lung disease were aggravated by service. The VA is instructed to obtain a new medical opinion addressing these issues.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's respiratory conditions are related to his active service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea and asthma are at least as likely as not caused by or incurred in active service, granting service connection for these conditions.

Service connection for rhinitis is granted, and the Veteran's claims of service connection for asthma and chronic bronchitis are remanded. Service connection for eosinophilia is also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to the Veteran's unavailability for VA examinations. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of respiratory disability, hypertension, heart disease, and residual surgical scars.